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Eowyn- I have to agree, it was not my best work. I had drafted the last chapter four or five times but they were all pretty rubbish. It just didn't feel right- if you know what I mean.

Uhhh. . . . I have no name- I'm starting to worry about you and your umm…small, obsession with corgi's. Thank you so much as per usual- it's always great getting reviews from you.

Lady Viola- I'm glad you like it-really, I am. I thought it was pretty rubbish. So thanks

Crazy-4-pippin- ugh I feel your pain- homework puts a damper on things doesn't it- hopefully this chapter will cheer you up a bit. YAY another like me!- and so you should be proud

She sat on her balcony, reminiscing about the past. Her father was a good man. Somewhere deep inside, she had to believe it, otherwise there was no hope. She did not believe that people were born to be so…angry and hateful.

She had told Legolas that she need a little time alone, to think.

She wanted to poison him. Although he deserved to die, he did not deserve to die painfully. His wrongs in life were many, but if she gave her permission to have him shot or be-headed. It would make her no better than him. She was not a hateful person, and she refused to lower herself to his standards.

Forgiveness. Is a word that can be used so lightly. Yet until you are asked to use it. It means so little.

---

Elrond had asked me to try and forgive Martin. After all the years of beating and torment at his hand. Could I? Did I have the strength to let him go with my forgiveness?

I my opinion, he did not deserve it. But when he had said he was sorry. It had pulled something in me. A part of me melted and was ready to call him daddy again and just hug him. But the part of me that remembers every second of every hand, and every word, got the better of me and I snapped.

Legolas was not happy, in the slightest. I can feel it. I don't know what's wrong, and at this moment I have no wish to seek him out. I realise that that sounds harsh, but I cannot. I do not have the strength to explain my actions.

---

Meanwhile in the training room, Haldir was giving Elladan a run for his money. The two had been sparing for over half and hour and neither was going to give up.

In the corner of the room stood Elrohir and Legolas. The subject of the trial was being put under close scrutiny by the pair. Neither felt it fair to Thalia to let the decision rest on her. The young woman had been put under enough pressure and the last thing that she need was another decision. She may have thought that she could handle it, but her breakdown during the council was proof that she could not.

It was not a small thing that they were asking, her decision would stay with her for years to come.

Legolas listened to Elrohir with a heavy heart. His thoughts were elsewhere. He wished nothing but to be Thalia. But he could feel her need for solitude and respected her wishes.

My heart selfishly wept for her. Her mind and heart were not with mine, she had retreated.

I can feel her pulling away from me. When she had run from the council my heart had nearly stopped when I realised what she leaving for. It has not been long, but she has managed to refrain from cutting herself for nearly three weeks. And if she was not careful, she could end up with serious injuries.

I did not wish to see her like that again. Cutting may have been her salvation in the days passed, but now she need not. She has remained alone for too long.

The thought that she could still turn to a blade was ever present in my mine. There was nothing or nobody to stop her.

The loneliness that she felt was weighing heavy on her heart. I could feel her hope for her mothers return fading quickly.

Her last ties with her him are being severed and although she will have a home both here in Imladris and Mirkwood, she still mourns the loss.

It was entirely slavish to be thinking of such things at the moment, but I had to. The fait scent of Vanilla overwhelmed me for a moment and I felt a small smile pass my lips.

Elrohir had stopped talking and was looking at me knowingly. I went to explain when he shook his head.

"I know my friend. I know. You miss her presence. She is not yours at the moment is she?"

"I can never hide anything from you can I? No indeed, she is not mine. She has forsaken her place in my heart for a short time. She seeks solitude, and I do not begrudge her that"

"Do you think that she is in any danger?"

There was a doubt in mind, but all in all,

"No. I do not think that is"

He grinned and clasped my shoulder.

"Care to join us my friend?"

I smirked and threw of my tunic, as my eyes challenged him.

---

A pregnant silence prevailed in Elrond study. Elrond and Glorfindel had retired there after Thalia had fled. Both were now contemplating the events that were soon to be played out.

My daughter was a strong young woman who was far too stubborn for her own good. I should not have consented to her presence at the council. I can understand her reasons for wanting to be there, but she should not have come. Who knows what she might be feeling now, or what effect it has had on her.

The decision must not rest with her.

Unbeknownst to Glorfindel, Elrond was thinking the same thing.

"Glorfindel. I do not like this" Elrond's voice penetrated the silence.

"Neither do I. she cannot carry this"

"I agree. I propose a unanimous vote"

Glorfindel raised his eyes to meet Elrond's. A glimmer of hope shining in his eyes. Never in all his years had Elrond thought that the once fearsome Balrog slayer, would be reduced to a quivering mass of nerves over a daughter. Glorfindel had taken lovers in the past, but he had shown no interest in finding a wife or raising children.

"We should let Thalia decide on her preferred method and let the council choose between that and shooting"

"Why not be-heading?"

"That method had long since been disused. And as foul as it is, it should be left alone"

Glorfindel shook his head.

"I agree. That seems like a reasonable proposal. And I have no doubt that the others will be pleased to hear of it. The look in their eyes was enough to make me afraid"

They laughed at the absurdity of it all, before sobering again and returning to a somewhat calmer silence than before.

---

Back her room Thalia had become fed up with the quiet. It reminded her of habits that she would rather forget.

She rose from the cold floor of her balcony and ventured inside. There were still thirty minutes to fill before the council reconvened.

Sighing, she walked over to the bed, kicked of her shoes and climbed under the covers. It felt a little empty without Legolas there beside her.

She closed her eyes and willed her heart to reunite with Legolas'. As she did a great warmth filled her, almost lulling her slumber.

In the training room Legolas froze during a fight with Haldir. Who gave him a funny look. Legolas smiled wistfully a gleeful look in his eyes.

"She's back"

A cheer came from the four elves as they were relieved of their worry.

All at once the group made their separate ways back to the council chamber.

When everyone was seated, Elrond stood to address them.

"As you know, before we left this morn, a decision was given to Thalia"

Looks of confusion came over everybody's faces, they knew that there was something more to this speech.

"However. It has since been decided. That the decision of the prisoner's death, should not rest on the shoulder of but one person"

Elrond looked at Thalia, who sighed heavily and visibly relaxed. The group watched Thalia's reaction and were relieved to see her relaxed.

"Does this suit you Thalia?" Elrond asked.

"Yes. Yes it does, I'm very grateful"

Elrond smiled at her.

"What is your decision?"

Thalia stood up

"I know that you all wish him a painful death. But for me personally, this isn't about him. This is about me. I know that this is going to sound strange, especially after what he's done to me. But, I've thought long and hard about it. there is nothing that is more important that forgiveness. Normally, the word forgiveness is taken for granted. But when it comes down to it. It isn't a word that should be used lightly. I cannot forgive him completely. But what I can do is not allow myself to become a hater. I am not willing to become like him, not now. And so my decision is to poison him. I am aware this is a decision that not all of you will be comfortable with. But it is mine. And I only hope that you too can follow what you think is right, no matter the method".

Everybody sat, stunned into silence by her heartfelt speech. Glorfindel wore a look of pride. It took a lot to give a speech like that and mean every word.

Legolas sat, revisiting his thoughts, as did Elrohir. Haldir and Elladan understood her reasoning, but felt that their decision was right for them.

"Are you all ready to proceed with the judgement?" Elrond asked.

As the judgements were announced by each person, it became clear that Thalia had indeed made an impact. But the vote was almost unanimous

"Bring him in" Elrond motioned to the guard.

Once again the human was dragged into the chamber. Thalia sat up straighter. The twins and Haldir smirked at him.

"Martin Mathews. You have had your chance to speak. Decisions have been made. And your leave of this life, decided.

Tomorrow at dawn you will be shot".

A murmur ran though the gathering.

Thalia closed her eyes, feeling strangely calm. A smile graced her full lips as she opened her eyes and looked at him in the eye. All traces of guilt and hatred had left her.